Panel holds key to Cup waterfront staging sites

How bureaucracy works: the Bay Conservation and Development Commission Thursday voted unanimously to … hold a hearing on whether it will allow open water along the Embarcadero to be used to help stage the 2013 America’s Cup.

What this translates to in real life? The countdown has begun for a Jan. 5 hearing that’s sure to be preceded by negotiations, concessions and sabre-rattling.

There are four “open water basins” between Fisherman’s Wharf and AT&T Park, and Cup organizers hope to press them all into service. But that notion runs counter to current waterfront regulations, because open basins are supposed to stay open.

The agency that can allow temporary changes to the rules is the BCDC, so the Jan. 5 hearing is crucial. The commission will be asked to allow parts of the four basins to be used for staging races for the various teams – and parking for oversize spectator yachts.

America’s Cup organizers originally sought to fill the basin along Rincon Park with a dock that could hold as many as 26 yachts from 100 to 250 feet in length. After a public outcry, the plan has been rejuggled so that bay views won’t be blocked at the popular park.

But the legal agreement between the city and the organizers gives the latter the right to negotiate for permanent marinas alongside Rincon Park and between Piers 32 and 36 if dredging is required for the temporary ones.

Those marinas would also need the BCDC’s blessing. Judging by the comments on Thursday, Cup organizers shouldn’t get their hopes up.

“People come in with expectations,” BCDC Executive Director Will Travis told the commission. “Our job is to temper these expectations, and bring them into line with reality.”

– John King

Moving on: The real news at the BCDC hearing came when Will Travis, 68, announced that he’ll be retiring from the post that he has held since 1995.

One of the most powerful and respected bureaucrats in the region, the self-described “uncompromising pragmatist” will become the senior policy adviser to One Bay Area, a new coalition of regional agencies looking at how to integrate climate change concerns into the region’s long-range economic and planning strategies.

“How do we make the Bay Area even better,” Travis said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

– John King

War of words: Gary Delagnes, the fiery president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, has lashed out at two associations representing minority police officers in the city for not solely endorsing Chris Cunnie for sheriff.

Cunnie, a retired SFPD officer, also served as the longtime head of the Police Officers Association.

Officers for Justice, an organization comprised mainly of African American officers, and the Asian Peace Officers Association both backed Cunnie and Sheriff’s Department veteran Capt. Paul Miyamoto in the race.

Voters can pick up to three candidates for sheriff in Tuesday’s election under ranked-choice voting.

“To me, this is the ultimate act of betrayal against not only one of our own, but also against someone who consistently reached out to your organization while he was president of the SFPOA,” Delagnes wrote in a pointed letter to Julian Hill, president of Officers for Justice.

“You will retire with a significant pension and as one of (the) highest paid lieutenants in the United States,” Delagnes added. “You will enjoy these benefits because it was Chris Cunnie who was the architect of the negotiations and the campaigning that made it all happen.”

Delagnes mouthed off against the two minority officer associations at a recent union board meeting, dropping the f-bomb with abandon.

“We are embarrassed and offended by the alleged hateful and derogatory statements made by POA President Gary Delagnes,” Paul Yep, president of Asian Peace Officers Association, told City Insider.

Delagnes told City Insider that he is still steaming over the dual endorsements, but that he regrets his use of profane language in expressing his disappointment and frustration. “As you know, I’m passionate,” he said.